Everything You Need To Know Before You Watch 'To The Bone'

Netflix's new film To The Bonehadn't even debuted on the streaming service before it started causing serious controversy.

The film, directed by Marti Noxon of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Unreal fame, and starring Lily Collins and Keanu Reeves, tells the story of a young woman fighting to overcome her history with anorexia. Both Noxon and Collins have struggled with disordered eating, and Noxon has openly discussed how this film is based upon her own experiences as a young woman, seeking treatment from an unorthodox programme led by a charismatic doctor, embodied in the film by Reeves.

But the film's trailer, which launched last month, was met with censure by health organisations and critics, who believed that the film could be triggering to young men and women who suffer from eating disorders.

To The Bone - Trailer2:15

A young anorexic woman reluctantly enters an unconventional treatment program, where she bonds with other residents struggling with eating disorders.

Should you watch this movie? Project HEAL, a non-profit organisation providing recovery support for those suffering from an eating disorders, believes that everyone should assess their own psychological state and mindset, as well as the progress of their own journey to recovery where applicable, before hitting that play button.

But, as Kristina Saffran, the organisation's co-founder explained to us, there is value in opening a line of dialogue on a subject that affects so many women.

"To The Bone is the first major motion picture on eating disorders and has the potential to finally stimulate conversation amongst a wide audience on [this] topic," Saffran says, "the most stigmatised, misunderstood and under-recognised of all mental illnesses. [It] sheds light on the severity and complexity of eating disorders —capturing the impact of these perplexing illnesses on both patient and family—while emphasising that recovery is possible."

Keanu Reeves and Lily Collins in a scene from 'To The Bone'. Photo: Netflix

This is what Project HEAL wants everyone to know before they decide whether to watch To The Bone.

You don't have to watch anything you're not comfortable with

Yes, there is a lot of buzz and discussion on social media around this film. But, Saffran's number one piece of advice to women is that they can control what they decide to watch.

It's the same advice that Ali Hill, whimn's psychologist, shared when discussing the impact of graphic violence on anxiety levels: "You have the ultimate control over what you allow yourself to be exposed to." If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the film, switch it off.

Be aware of your own recovery journey

"Eating disorder recovery was the most challenging journey in my life, and in the early stages, I was triggered by many things—friends from treatment, diet talk amongst peers, stepping into a gym, and seeing very underweight people. I had to understand where I was in my journey, and avoid those triggers," Saffran explains.

As her recovery progressed, she became more able to be around those triggers. Today, "facing them solidifies how strong I am in recovery and how I never want to go back."

"I hope that our community can keep this perspective in mind when carefully evaluating whether to view this film, and also remember that the goal of this movie has always been to educate the broader public, and tell the real story of one person who struggled," Saffran adds.

Lily Collins in 'To The Bone'. Photo: Netflix

This story is only one of many

While Project HEAL believes that To The Bone is an important win for representation of eating disorders, they also counsel viewers to remember that it is indicative of only one story, one woman, one experience. If your own story doesn't mirror what you see onscreen it in no way lessens or devalues your own experience or recovery journey.

"No two stories are alike and there are plenty more stories that we need to share," Saffran says. "The conversation and awareness that To The Bone has already generated will help us to do just that."

Lily Collins and Liana Liberato, who play sisters in 'To The Bone'. Photo: Netflix

If you do watch it, talk about it

To The Bone is a really difficult film to watch, no matter your mental state, tackling subjects and dealing with topics that are heart-wrenching to see onscreen.

The worst thing to do, after finishing the film, would be to sit in silence without anyone to support you. Don't downplay your feelings or sweep your emotion under the rug. Reach out to a loved one, a professional, or your recovery network so that you can process what you are feeling. And if you are that loved one, supporting a friend or family member, be kind, caring and listen openly without judgement.

To The Bone streams on Netflix now. Visit Project HEAL for stories of hope and inspiration, along with a list of international resources.If you need help or support for an eating disorder or body image issue, please call Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 334 673 or e-mail support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au